2005 G35 engine dies

[Mike_B]

This just started last night on my 2005 G35 sedan with 52K miles (and unfortunately 1 month out of warranty). Engine was running fine, but died at a stop light. Restarted OK, ran fine for the 8-10 mile trip home, including several stoplights.

Just as I pulled in my driveway, the engine stopped again. This time it wouldn't restart (but turned over fine). After 3-4 minutes of sitting, it started again. Went out this morning and it started right up and ran fine on a drive around the block. "Service Engine Soon" light is now on.

What could the problem be, and can I read the error codes without a sensor? I'm a hot rodder and old electronics tech, but know very little about about the new engine control systems. The ambient temperature has been in the high 20s, if that makes any difference. Got the car in March, so this is the coldest it's been since I've owned it.
Modified by Mike_B at 5:40 AM 12/10/2009

[Mike_B]

Update: AutoZone code scan shows multiple occurances of P0340, which is described as "camshaft position sensor circuit".

The notes say it could be:

open or short circuitpoor electrical connectionfaulty starter motorfaulty CMP sensorengine mechanical condition

What's the most likely cause here? Guess I should re-seat the connectors first. Is that any big deal to do? If that doesn't do the trick, I guess it's off to my Infiniti dealer to pay some insane parts and labor charge. FYI, I drove the car 15 miles this morning with zero issues.

On another note, my 99 Maxima went 120+K miles with no failures except for an O2 sensor at around 90K. Was hoping to get that kind of service out of my G35, but now I'm starting to wonder what else will fail.

[Sentientbydesign]

Take it to the dealership and ask them if they'll warranty it since it's so close to the warranty end period. If you're nice, they might do it.

[Mike_B]

The car died again on the way home yesterday afternoon very near the dealer, so I got it restarted and dropped it off. They say it’s a cam position sensor. Parts & labor are $340, but I took your suggestion and asked if they could get Infiniti to warranty it. I'll let you know.

Told the service writer that if he could get Infiniti to pay for it, I would pay to have other things done that they recommend, such as cooling system flush and trans flush. Not sure if that’s an incentive, but will find out.

[Mike_B]

Infiniti paid for it and I got a Christmas bonus. All is well with the world!

[usafdarkhorse]

Congrats!

[chrisz]

good work! Nice to hear a story of good dealer/manufacturer support.

[SteveTheTech]

Hey there Mike Welcome to the group. Glad to see things worked well for you.

Transmission services are one of those things (imho) that are better left to the dealer to do just in the freak event that something goes wrong. If Jiffy Lube uses the wrong fluid, leave a clamp loose, incorrectly fills or other wise botches the job you are sol and the dealer is much much less inclined to want to go out of their way to get Infiniti to try to cover you for something. There are a few things that can be done but it requires a certain service history from you the owners.

Oh for your issue. There is something about these Hall effect sensors they can go randomly and without warning. One of the great things about the modern (2003+) cars that use these sensors their DTC detection logic means if there is a repeated issue a CEL will set.

[tollboothwilley]

Glad you got it taken care of. The Cam Position sensors are a pretty straight forward and easy replacement.